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Career counselor vs elementary school counselor

The differences between career counselors and elementary school counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a career counselor has an average salary of $44,870, which is higher than the $34,984 average annual salary of an elementary school counselor.

The top three skills for a career counselor include career development, career services and professional development. The most important skills for an elementary school counselor are social work, professional development, and crisis intervention.

Career counselor vs elementary school counselor overview

Career CounselorElementary School Counselor
Yearly salary$44,870$34,984
Hourly rate$21.57$16.82
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs42,03592,184
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a career counselor do?

A career counselor specializes in assisting clients in their career-related decisions. Utilizing their expertise in career development, they typically meet with clients to discuss their short-term and long-term goals, identify their needs and concerns, conduct different aptitude tests and examinations, organize skills assessment procedures, and provide strategies to improve or enhance their skills and abilities. Aside from providing consultations, a career counselor may also assist clients in processing and establishing their resumes, supporting them every step of the way.

What does an elementary school counselor do?

An elementary school counselor is primarily in charge of providing support and counseling to students as they navigate through their academic, social, and personal lives. Their responsibilities typically revolve around developing and executing programs for students' welfare, conducting student evaluations and interviews, mediating on various issues, and assisting students in preparing and processing scholarship applications. Furthermore, there are instances when an elementary school counselor must refer students and parents to social services and conduct interventions when necessary. Should there be any signs of abuse or neglect, It is essential to report to the authorities right away.

Career counselor vs elementary school counselor salary

Career counselors and elementary school counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Career CounselorElementary School Counselor
Average salary$44,870$34,984
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $60,000Between $18,000 And $64,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CADaly City, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyColumbia University in the City of New YorkSuccess Academy Charter Schools
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between career counselor and elementary school counselor education

There are a few differences between a career counselor and an elementary school counselor in terms of educational background:

Career CounselorElementary School Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Career counselor vs elementary school counselor demographics

Here are the differences between career counselors' and elementary school counselors' demographics:

Career CounselorElementary School Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 42.4% Female, 57.6%Male, 25.0% Female, 75.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between career counselor and elementary school counselor duties and responsibilities

Career counselor example responsibilities.

  • Monitor and manage IEP forms and certifications to adhere to program requirements.
  • Interpret PSAT results with parents and students through education workshop.
  • Coordinate transitioning veterans with community hiring facilities in the areas of their desire location.
  • Provide information to individuals on matters pertaining to social security, veterans administration, and uniform service health benefits program.
  • Provide testing, including TABE, Proveit and Oscar.
  • Develop new intake orientation and TABE testing process for prospective participants.

Elementary school counselor example responsibilities.

  • Select to serve as the tier 2 PBIS coach and serve on district PBIS tier 1 team.
  • Train entire staff on PBIS theories, data and methodology.
  • Prepare and present Microsoft PowerPoint presentation on treating the grief and loss issues of incarcerate students.
  • Prepare and deliver PowerPoint presentations.
  • Serve as administrative representative for IEP meetings.
  • Participate and collaborate with administrators about RTI design and implementation.
  • Show more

Career counselor vs elementary school counselor skills

Common career counselor skills
  • Career Development, 12%
  • Career Services, 7%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Career Planning, 5%
  • Mental Health, 5%
  • Career Exploration, 5%
Common elementary school counselor skills
  • Social Work, 14%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Community Resources, 6%
  • Kids, 5%

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